A MULTI-OBJECTIVE APPROACH FOR LAND CONSERVATION CAPABILITY EVALUATION USING MULTI-CRITERION EVALUATION MODELS

Abstract

In order to protect ecosystem functions and structures, it is essential to identify areas with high conservation potentials. The present study investigates the use of Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) Models and effects of trade-off levels on the results of land conservation capability in the Pelasjan subbasin, western part of the Gavkhooni watershed and Gavkhooni wetland water source in central Iran. Delphi survey method was used to gather, condense and use experts’ knowledge in determining and ranking the evaluation criteria. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then used to estimate the criteria weights. Subsequently, to create a single ranked map of potential conservation area, a weighted linear combination (WLC) model and ordered weighted averaging (OWA) model with medium risk and tradeoff were used. Conservation capability maps, were then classified into 6 classes based on conservation capability values ranges. The comparison analysis has shown that designed OWA model with lower trade-off level leads to relate areas as very high and high capability classes. Models accuracy assessments have shown that OWA model was more accurate and realistic, but with regard to Plasjan’s importance as a habitat for fauna and flora, producing water, and high quality soil and biodiversity, it is highly necessary to consider WLC results.